Who is the Ducks’ Overall MVP in an upset?
Question: In order to compete with Ohio State, the Ducks’ premiere players are going to have to play to their ceilings, and they’re going to have to score a lot of points while trying to mitigate damage on defense. So let’s open up this MVP conversation to both sides of the ball: Who is your overall MVP candidate for the Ducks after this game?
Neel: It’s going to be hard for me to say anyone other than Kayvon Thibodeaux as the MVP, but the uncertainty around his health is making me shy away from it. Of course, if he is healthy and ready to go, then KT has the chance to be a game-wrecker on the defensive line, constantly putting pressure on QB CJ Stroud and potentially mitigating some of the explosive plays downfield.
Instead, I’m going to put my vote on QB Anthony Brown. We were hoping to see a lot from him last week vs. Fresno, and while he didn’t quite deliver then, I bet that he will answer now. If Verdell and Dye are able to get the rushing attack going, it will open up things for Brown to take some shots downfield and create the explosive plays necessary to compete. If he can get the ball to his receivers and be accurate, the Ducks have a fighting chance.
Smalley: On offense, I’m going with Verdell. If the Oregon running back can get going early, the Ducks should have a good day. It keeps the Buckeyes offense off the field and wears down that Ohio State defense. On defense, although they are keeping things close to the vest, I have a hard time believing Kayvon Thibodeaux won’t be in this game. He’s built for the spotlight and unless his foot is falling off his leg, KT will be on the field.
Patton: Verdell is also my pick on offense – this team needs him to have a big game on the ground. As stated previously, it not only helps them score more points, but he can help control time of possession, ease the pressure on Brown, and keep Ohio State’s defense on the field. If the Ducks win this one, it will be because Verdell had a well above average game.
Defensively, because I’m not as confident Thibodeaux will be a full contributor, I’ll go with McKinley. A pick (or two) is probably necessary to secure this victory, and McKinley has a chance to etch his name in school history if he makes a huge play in a win over the third ranked team in the country.